Recipes
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Beetopia New Zealand - "All things Bees" is located just outside of Matakana, at 158 Omaha Flats Road where onsite you will find:
Our beekeeping supplies showroom
Ability to purchase equipment including everything you need to get setup as a new beekeeper (bees, hiveware, suits, tools etc.) or to grow your existing apiary. Order placement to secure bees from our local bee breeder
The Beetopia Apiary and classroom training facility
Accommodation options - for overnight stays at our "Bee & Bee" for anyone who may be travelling from out of town.
Our next beginners courses will be held from September 2019 with a local beekeeper. The course provides the basics required for hive management at an introductory level and includes:
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bee recognition (distinction between worker / nurse / drone / queen bees )
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distinction between honey / nectar / capped honey
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the all important "life cycle of the bee"
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understanding how to use bee hive equipment
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advice on how to register your beehives and mandatory requirements for beekeepers in New Zealand
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Hands-on-lesson in hives
The courses run in small numbers with a total of 5 students per course. We believe this adds value giving attendees plenty of hands on time in the hives and the ability to ask one on one
questions with our instructor.
2019 beginner’s beekeeping course dates
As my courses are weather dependant and spring in Aotearoa is notoriously unpredictable, therefore bear in mind please if the weather is wet and/or too windy we cannot open the hives and therefore are obliged to postpone course dates.
Courses are held on Saturday mornings from 9 am - 12.30 noon in Matakana. Tea & Coffee & Honey drinks provided during morning break. Honey Tasting and Equipment overview at end of course.
Protective Beekeeping Clothing & Gloves provided
Cost per person $150 plus GST
Payment required before commencing the course.
Payment details provided upon confirming course date.
Beginner Beekeeping Course Dates
September 28th
October 5th - 19th - 26th
November 9th -16th - 23rd -30th
December 7th 14th
January 18th - 25th
February 1st - 15th - 22nd - 29th
March 14th -28th
Stockroom
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Beekeeping protective clothing for adults and children all sizes
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Beekeeping gloves all sizes
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Smokers
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Hive tools
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Nuc boxes
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Frame holders
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Top feeders
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Wooden frames
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Plastic frames
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Wax foundation full depth & three quarters
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Supers
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Supers full depth
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Hive mats / lids / bases
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Queen excluders - plastic / metal
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Queen catchers
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Queen marking pens
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Queen rearing equipment
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Honey extraction equipment
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Bees for sale
The Worker
My daughter Michelle is a budding beekeeper and often helps me in our apiaries plus she’s great at taking meticulous notes on what’s happening in each hive and updating our apiary agenda after each inspection. Michelle also helps out in Beetopia’s beekeeping supplies store and holds beeswax wrap courses - in fact her Maori line of wax wraps are very popular. Her 4 year old son Perry Paolo is our youngest and most enthusiastic beekeeper and honey consumer!
The Worker
My daughter Michelle is a budding beekeeper and often helps me in our apiaries plus she’s great at taking meticulous notes on what’s happening in each hive and updating our apiary agenda after each inspection. Michelle also helps out in Beetopia’s beekeeping supplies store and holds beeswax wrap courses - in fact her Maori line of wax wraps are very popular. Her 4 year old son Perry Paolo is our youngest and most enthusiastic beekeeper and honey consumer!
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How to Recycle or Re-purpose Your Beeswax Candle
We believe a good candle should last—even after the flame is gone. Here’s how you can give your used beeswax candle a second life.

Upcycling your Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are a beautiful, natural way to bring warmth and light into your space. If you’ve finished burning your candle or have leftover wax scraps, don’t toss them! There are plenty of creative ways to upcycle beeswax and give it a second life—without needing a container.
1. Make Your Own Wax Melts
Gather leftover beeswax and melt it down using a double boiler. Pour the liquid wax into silicone molds (like ice cube trays) and let it cool. These wax melts can be used in a wax warmer to fill your home with gentle, honey-like fragrance all over again.
**Optional:** Add a few drops of essential oils before pouring for a personalized scent.
2. DIY Fire Starters
Beeswax is an excellent fire starter thanks to its slow burn and natural composition. Wrap small pieces of beeswax in cotton fabric or dip pinecones, dried citrus peels, or cardboard egg carton pieces in melted wax. Let dry and use them to start your next campfire or cozy fireplace evening.
3. Refill Tea Light Cups
If you use metal or glass tealight cups, save them! You can melt down leftover beeswax and refill them using pre-tabbed wicks. It’s a simple way to create new candles from the remnants of old ones.
4. Seal Envelopes or Decorate Stationery
Melt a small amount of beeswax and use it as a natural wax seal for handwritten letters, gift tags, or envelopes. Add a personal touch by pressing a stamp or coin into the warm wax before it hardens.
5. Condition Wooden Kitchen Tools
Beeswax works wonders for wooden utensils, cutting boards, and even furniture. Mix melted beeswax with a small amount of food-grade oil (like coconut or mineral oil) to create a natural wood conditioner. Rub it in and buff with a clean cloth.
6. Craft a New Candle
Combine scraps from multiple candles to make a brand-new one. All you need is some wick, a mold (like a silicone baking mold or paper cup), and a bit of patience. Melt the wax, secure the wick, and pour—your custom candle is ready once it cools and sets.
🌿 Why Upcycle?
Beeswax is a precious, sustainable material made by hardworking bees. Upcycling extends its life, reduces waste, and honors the natural resources behind your candle. Every little reuse helps create a more mindful and eco-conscious lifestyle.
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Have your own creative beeswax reuse idea? Share it with us—we’d love to hear how you give your candle remnants new life! Send us a message